Biological Psychology: Neurons and the Nervous System

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the focus of the biological area in psychology?

  • Examining the influence of social and cultural factors on behavior.
  • Focusing solely on cognitive processes such as memory and decision-making.
  • Investigating the relationship between genes, the nervous system, and behavior. (correct)
  • Studying observable behaviors without considering internal processes.

What role do glial cells play in the nervous system?

  • Producing neurotransmitters to facilitate synaptic transmission.
  • Providing nutrients and structural support to neurons. (correct)
  • Transmitting electrical impulses directly between neurons.
  • Regulating the speed of signal transmission by myelinating axons.

How does the biological area approach studying psychological phenomena?

  • By analyzing personal experiences and anecdotal evidence.
  • Using scientific methods and objective physiological measures. (correct)
  • Through subjective interpretations and qualitative analysis.
  • Relying solely on philosophical reasoning and introspection.

What is the primary function of sensory neurons?

<p>Receiving signals from sensory receptors and transmitting them to the central nervous system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes how neurons communicate with each other?

<p>Chemical neurotransmitters crossing a synaptic gap. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do interneurons contribute to neural processing?

<p>By facilitating communication between sensory and motor neurons within the brain and spinal cord. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of motor neurons in the nervous system?

<p>They carry outgoing signals from the brain or spinal cord to effector organs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the 'firing' of a neuron?

<p>It is when the sum of stimulations exceeds a certain threshold. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can drugs like antidepressants affect neuronal communication?

<p>By affecting the quantity or actions of neurotransmitters in the brain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the analogy of 'roads converging with roundabouts' illustrate about neurons?

<p>The increasing number of junctions and connections that can be made between neurons. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biological Area

Assumes behavior is largely explained biologically, focusing on the brain, nervous system, and various biological systems.

Neurones

Cells of the nervous system responsible for carrying messages throughout the body.

Sensory Neurones

Transmit impulses from receptors to the central nervous system.

Inter-Neurones

Receive signals from sensory neurones and send impulses to other inter-neurones or to motor neurones; found only in the brain or spinal cord.

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Motor Neurones

Carry outgoing signals from the brain or spinal cord to effector organs, such as muscles or the heart and lungs.

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Synapse

The junction between two nerve cells where neurotransmitters facilitate message transfer.

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Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that pass messages across a synapse.

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Impulses (Electric Messages)

Electrical bursts of energy that carry information along neurones.

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Excitatory Messages

Messages that cause a neurone to do something.

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Inhibitory Messages

Messages that cause a neurone to remain inactive.

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Study Notes

  • The biological area assumes behavior can be explained by biology (genes/hormones)
  • Psychology should study the brain, nervous system, and various biological systems to explain behavior
  • Psychology is a science that should be studied scientifically, often in a lab, measuring variables objectively, such as with MRI scans
  • Cognitive neuroscience is at the cutting edge of psychology, amalgamating cognitive and biological areas

What are Neurons?

  • Neurons are cells of the nervous system responsible for carrying messages throughout the body
  • The three types of neurons are sensory, motor, and inter-neurons
  • There are 10-12 billion neurons in the nervous system
  • A nerve constitutes a bundle of neurons held together by glial cells, similar to a telephone cable
  • Glial cells are smaller, provide structural support, and provide the neurons with nutrients

Types of Neurons and Their Function

  • Sensory neurons transmit impulses from receptors to the central nervous system
  • Interneurons, found only in the brain or spinal cord, receive signals from sensory neurons and send impulses to other interneurons or motor neurons
  • Motor neurons carry outgoing signals from the brain or spinal cord, reaching effector organs like muscles, heart, and lungs

Neural Communication

  • Neurons form connections to carry information via impulses or electric messages
  • Messages are bursts of electrical energy, likened to bursts of fire
  • A neuron "fires" when stimulation exceeds a threshold, similar to a bath filling from drips until it overflows
  • Impulses can be excitatory (triggering activity) or inhibitory (suppressing activity)
  • Messages pass between neurons across a synaptic gap (synapse) via neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers
  • Neurotransmitter levels affect the speed of message transmission
  • Drugs like antidepressants affect neurotransmitters in the brain
  • The range of connections between neurons give rise to different activites
  • Brain activity can be observed even when a person is at rest, showing constant neuron interconnection

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